Introduction

Do you care about the health of your employees? Do you want them to be motivated, productive and happy? If so, you need to pay attention to the level of decision-making power at work. It turns out that low levels of decision-making power can have a negative impact on employee health. Therefore, in this article we will discuss the relationship between low levels of decision-making power and employee health, and how you can remedy it.

How do you define decision-making power at work?

Decision-making power at work refers to an employee's ability to make decisions and influence their work environment. This means that employees with high levels of decision-making power have more control over their responsibilities, processes and outcomes. In contrast, employees with low levels of decision-making power are limited in their decision-making and have less influence over their workplace.

Decision-making power can be measured by analyzing the hierarchy in the workplace and access to information and resources needed to make decisions. The higher the position and greater access to information, the greater the decision-making power.

Associations between low levels of decision-making power and employee health

Low levels of decision-making power can lead to various health problems in employees. Here are some of them:

Stress

Employees with low levels of decision-making power may experience more stress. Lack of control over their work environment and inability to influence decisions can lead to feelings of powerlessness and frustration. This in turn can lead to higher levels of stress, which can negatively affect an employee's physical and mental health.

Low self-esteem

When employees have limited influence over their tasks and responsibilities, they may experience low self-esteem. Not being able to use their skills and influence their workplace can lead to lowered self-esteem and feelings of job dissatisfaction, which in turn can negatively affect an employee's mental health.

Inappropriate workload

When individuals with lower levels of decision-making power have limited influence over their responsibilities, they are often forced to perform work they feel is inappropriate, inappropriate for their role or inadequately compensated. This can lead to an inappropriate workload, which in turn can negatively affect an employee's physical and mental health.

How to improve the level of decision-making power at work?

Taking steps to improve decision-making power at work can bring many health benefits to employees. Here are some ways to do it:

Increase autonomy

Give employees more freedom to make decisions about their work. This can include giving them more freedom to shape tasks, choose work methods or make decisions about their projects. Introducing more autonomy can not only increase the level of decision-making power, but also have an impact on motivating employees.

Improve communication

Ensure that employees have access to the right information and resources they need to make decisions. Regular communication in the workplace provides employees with a sense of commitment and helps avoid misunderstandings. Putting clear communication structures in place and ensuring regular information sharing can help increase the level of decision-making power at work.

Training and development

Invest in employee training and development. Provide them with the necessary tools and skills to make more independent decisions about their work. Training employees to acquire decision-making skills can transform their work experience and increase their level of decision-making power.

Promoting a participatory culture

Developing a participatory culture in the workplace can also increase the level of decision-making power. Encourage employees to share their ideas and opinions and participate in decision-making processes. Create a space that allows employees to have a say in their workplace, which will help increase their level of decision-making power.

Summary

Low levels of decision-making power at work can have a negative impact on employees' health. Stress, low self-esteem and inappropriate workload are just some of the health problems that can occur in employees with low levels of decision-making power. However, introducing measures to increase decision-making power can benefit both employees and the organization. Improving autonomy, communication, investing in training and development, and promoting a participatory culture are just some of the ways you can improve decision-making power levels at work. Don't forget that healthy, motivated and satisfied employees are key to an organization's success.